As I told the friendly staff at the Panama City Beach branch, Bay County used to stock A Witch’s Burden. However, over a year ago, some jive turkey apparently checked it out and never returned it. Now, as flattering as it is to learn that folks like my work enough to steal it, it’s definitely not cool to pilfer a book from the library! That first novel of mine is so cheap now at Amazon. Such a selfish thing to take a public book from others…
Anyway, when I took them a replacement copy, I also gave them a Maybeth, and now both books can be checked out right there at the beach! Next time you visit your condo, or if you live in the area, be sure to hit the library and check out my work!
Gatlinburg, TN, which Les and I visit almost every year, has a great library that has always supported my work. I am very pleased that Anna Porter stocks Maybeth now as well. Thanks again to the staff there—it was wonderful to meet you last fall! And thank you for showing me your super cool 3D printer!
Now for the fancy one: Did you know—I DIDN’T until recently—that The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosts one of the most important, if not THE most important, collections of children’s literature in the world? Fancy that! For much of my middle and high school years I lived in Mobile, AL, not too far down the road and across the border from USM in Hattiesburg. My favorite teacher of all time (my old band director) actually got a job working in Hattiesburg back when I was in high school. I would later come to enjoy visiting USM’s campus when we would go to watch my UAB Blazers play USM’s Eagles. USM began as a teachers college, and during the 1960s one of their professors started the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection. Managed by USM’s University Library, it’s very prestigious. And since I think quite highly of my work—I do my very best!—I sent them a copy of Meet Maybeth, and recently received a wonderful acceptance letter in return. I am delighted that they added my book to their collection. As I told them, it may be the only children’s book I write. Thank you, thank you to the de Grummond staff! May your collection continue to flourish well into the future!
P.S. Speaking of children’s literature, you must know that I was supremely flattered by an early Maybeth reviewer who mentioned my work alongside Ms. L.M. Montgomery’s.
Did you know that The Answer studio Co., Ltd. over in Japan has apparently embarked upon a definitive anime telling of Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables? Les and I love it. You will as well. It’s in its second cour now. Watch it! Watch it! It’s charming.
